Veterans Seed the Future in Farming with Newman’s Own Foundation Grants

Thanks to grants generously awarded by Newman’s Own Foundation, we at Farmer’s Veteran Coalition can provide even more support to returning military veterans who want to enter the field of food and farming!

Newman’s Own Foundation, founded in 2005, is dedicated to donating all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own Inc. food products to worthy causes. Newman’s Own was founded in 1982 by legendary Hollywood actor and philanthropist Paul Newman. Over the years, his foundation has donated over $350 million to thousands of charitable organizations around the world.

Who Will These Grants Help?

The young men and women who bravely served in Iraq and Afghanistan are driven by an admirable sense of purpose. Many want to channel this sense of purpose, and their desire to nurture, into cultivating plants or caring for animals. Sustainable farming fulfills both these goals. The grants, which will be awarded in the amount of $100,000 over 2 years, will help these farmer veterans come closer to realizing their dream of sustainable farming by getting the support they need to start.

What is Sustainable Farming?

Sustainable farming encourages agricultural production using techniques that protect the environment and human and animal communities. At the Farmer Veteran Coalition, we’re dedicated to providing veteran assistance through education and support to military veterans who aspire to a career in food and farming. Sustainable farming is one of the areas where we’ve seen many veterans pursue in their transition to an agricultural career.

Want to Learn More?

Along with supporting veterans interested in sustainable farming, we also provide additional resources to help returning military personnel and farmer veterans. Visit our resources page to learn more!

In conjunction with National Ag Day, Kubota Tractor Corporation has announced the launch of "Geared to Give," a new program in partnership with Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) that will provide financial support and donated Kubota equipment to U.S. military veterans pursuing a career in farming. Kubota and FVC jointly launched their partnership today at the California State Capitol in Sacramento during the Department of Food and Agriculture's Ag Day festivities.

Beginning this Spring, FVC will select qualified veterans who are pursuing a future in farming to receive donated Kubota equipment and other support for their respective farming operations. Farmer veterans who are FVC fellowship members can apply for the "Geared to Give" program and be considered for the donated equipment. Kubota has selected its versatile and efficient Standard L-Series compact tractors, which are proudly built in the U.S., to meet the varying needs of many small- and medium-sized farming operations.

"Kubota and the Farmer Veteran Coalition share a belief in the future of farming and the future of America's veterans," said Todd Stucke, Kubota vice president of sales, marketing, and product support. "Our philanthropic mission is to 'power and empower those who move the earth.' We do this by providing equipment and funding to organizations that help people who work with the earth in ways that help our communities thrive - that is why we're proud to support FVC and their farmer veteran members: they need support to make their dreams of a career in farming a reality, and Kubota is honored to answer their call."

Based in Davis, Calif., FVC is cultivating a new generation of farmers and food leaders, and developing viable employment opportunities and meaningful careers for the veterans through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. FVC believes that food production offers purpose and opportunity, as well as physical and psychological benefits for all veterans. FVC works with veterans from all military branches, their families, employers, and mentors to support those returning to or beginning careers in food and farming.

"We mobilize veterans to feed America through funding, equipment, counseling and resources to help guide the passion of our veterans so that they may earn for themselves a meaningful, finacially sustainable place in the agricultural community," said Michael O'Gorman, executive director of FVC. "We are deeply committed to leveraging our work through a network of partnerships with companies like Kubota, which allows us to more effectively connect the right resources to the veterans who most need support, particularly those in the onset of their civilian careers."

Our own Michele Pfannenstiel, President FVC Maine, made a visit to Dick Royer's Farm last week. While there she was able to snap a few pictures of him and his wife. Earlier in the month we were able to connect him with with Chet Bennetts, Director of Farm Development, to assist in business planning for his farm.

"I just received the one page business plan from Chet. He told me he was sending it to me what I thought was a form or a sheet of paper to fill out turns out to be a 90+ page workbook and a cd! Wow I am so glad to have found you guys! I finally think I maybe on the right path to getting my farm on a good footing. Thank you so so much for your help..."